Snowdonia travel advice

Tips from our friends in Snowdonia

Artist's tips

Vivienne Rickman Poole, Snowdonia artist and educator:

“I love the heritage of the quarries in Snowdonia. These were thriving communities years ago, and they still are. Such as Blaenau Ffestiniog which many visitors overlook when they go there on the steam train. And yet it is a gem of living culture.

"Similarly, Llanberis which is at the bottom of Snowdon is known for the Mountain Railway, but it has so much more. Such as our stunning lake, Llyn Padarn, which has just been designated a ‘bathing lake’, one of just a few in Wales. It is so stunning it has inspired much of my recent work”.

Funtime tips

Ifer Gwyn, Principal Policy Officer at Snowdonia National Park:

"We are lucky to have Europe’s largest zipline, which has been fantastic for Snowdonia. It has had a very low impact on the landscape and done very sensitively indeed. It is really worth a visit".

Health & safety

Travel safely in Snowdonia

Health

Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor is the main hospital and A&E department in the area. Their number is + 44 1248 384 384.

Take note of local emergency numbers – like everywhere in UK, Snowdonia uses 999 and 112. If you are in the mountains ask for the police and then say you need mountain rescue. Or ‘Lifeboat’ if you are at sea.

Bewary of ticks They carry Lyme Disease and others, and best to take precautions. Make sure you carry tweezers so that you can remove them and be sure to inspect your bodies carefully. Always apply a deterrent (a natural one is best for children such as lemon eucalyptus) and then suncream. Read this excellent guide for top tick tips.

It is likely you will engage in a lot of physical activity with your children in Snowdonia. It is one big playground after all. So you can never overestimate the amount of water they will need. Chocolate should also be encouraged at all times!

Suncream is not always top of the list for Snowdonia, but as it is pretty exposed and also high up it is sometimes tricky to gauge. So factor in the factors when you are packing.

Safety

If you are hiking, biking or on the water, it is always best to tell someone where you are heading. Plan your route carefully so that it caters for the abilities of all the family. And remember, if you are climbing, coming down is often more tiring than going up.

Bring a basic safety kit with you if you are in the mountains. Warmth and water are key. A whistle, torch and first aid kit can save a life.

It is good to know the national distress signal, which is six flashes with your torch, or six short whistles, repeated after a minute’s pause. The reply is three flashes or whistles.

Wear suitable clothing for all activities. With thermal layers in winter, and sunhats in summer. Take a map and compass with you and make sure you know how to use them.

If you are off on an adventure, always check the Met Office website for a detailed weather forecast before you set out and if you are in the mountains, or indeed on the water, turn back if the weather turns bad.

If you are on the water wear buoyancy aids and make sure they are properly fastened, especially on children who can slip out of them more easily.

The website www.mountainsafe.co.ukis a font of mountain safety information, run by an impressive team of Snowdonia partners.

Snowdonia tips from our travellers

Recommendations from those who have been there

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Snowdonia travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday - and the space inside your suitcase.

"Be prepared to be busy, there is so much to see and do. Bear in mind that food is generally not served between 2 & 7pm anywhere around the region."- Kate Stranks

"Take more clothes than you'd think in case you get caught in the rain one day. Comes very suddenly down the valleys!"- Ben Alcott

"Take at least three days if it's a weekend escape – it's really hard to cram all the adventures into just a weekend."- Hayley Spurway

"Take your all-weather walking gear and DO go to the slate mines at Blauau Ffestiniog, We went in the quiet of February - it was great having places to ourselves at times! Don't expect a wide range of choices of restaurants in the area."- Graham Beck

"The only tip that I would give is to book soon."- Terry O/Neill

"Take binoculars we spent hours watching the activity on Snowdon and the lake."- Paul Ellis

"The Welsh Highland Railway is superb - go to Rhyd Dddu or Waunfawr and catch the train to Portmadog. Stunning route through Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Pass."- Philip Burston

"Wrap up warm and be prepared for the British weather. Don't go expecting mod cons but enjoy the relief of not being connected!" - Billie Ireland

"Stout walking shoes. The weather is very changeable so don't be put off by low clouds. Save your appetite for Pete's Eats. The portions are huge." - Janet Ryerson